Refrigeration system



Jan. 16, 1934. G. E. HULSE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 22, 1930 2 Sheets-$heet 1 NIL/Z9 u: my, H

m4, A TORNEYS Jan. 16, 1934. ca. E. HULSE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 22, 1930 A ORNEY'S Patented Jan. 16, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM Application December 22, 1930 Serial No. 503,997

17 Claims.

This invention relates to refrigeration systems. One of the objects of this invention is'to provide a refrigeration apparatus and system of simple and durable construction. Another object 8 of this invention is to provide a construction of the above character which is entirely practical and highly efficient in operation while reliably meeting certain peculiar conditions met with in practical use. Another object of this invention is Z to provide an apparatus of the above character whose parts will be as free as possible from wear and consequent deterioration. Another object is to provide a system of the above character which may be operated by unskilled attendants without I ID the danger of a subsequent breakdown and which will require a minimum amount of attention while in operation. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

This invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements. and arrangements of parts as will be exemplified i the structure to be hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which are shown one or more of the various possible embodi ments of the several features of this invention,

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a preferred arrangement of parts in my refrigeration system, and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view showing another embodiment of my refrigeration system.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views in the drawings.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of certain features of my invention it may be well at this point to note that in refrigeration systems employing an adsorbent for the gaseous refrigerant. considerable complication of apparatus and parts has to be resorted to in achieving the intended alternate heating and cooling of the adsorbers. By an "adsorber, I mean any device or composition of matter which has the property of 45 adsorbing, absorbing or otherwise taking up a gas when cooled and releasing this gas when heated. Where a flame or the products of combustion of a flame are'applied directly to the device containing the adsorber, there is likely to be deterioration of the parts thereof from the effects of the high temperatures directly applied thereto. Thus the device in this case should be constructed of a heavy material such as metal which will greatly hinder the subsequent heat transfer. Furthermore, for the most efficient operation of a refrigeration unit of this type regular and even temperatures shouldbe applied to the. adsorbent material for this material releases or absorbs a gas according to the temperature to which it is subjected. If a naked flame is applied tothe device described above even temperatures such as those found to be desirable can be maintained with difficulty. This invention aims to provide a simple and practical construction of the above described character.

Referring now to the drawings in detail there is shown in Figure 1 a space 10, such as a room, chamber or the like, whose temperature is to be regulated. A refrigeration unit employing a gaseous refrigerant has an expansion device 11 positioned in the compartment 10. When liquefied gas, such as sulphur dioxide enters expan sion device 11, it expands or evaporates and in so doing absorbs heat from compartment 10. The temperature of compartment 11) may be regulated by the rate of expansion taking place therein. A series of tubes generally indicated at 12 closed at one end have their opposite ends joined by a header or pipe 13 to form a unit. Disposed in these tubes is an adsorbent substance generally indicated at 14. Substance 14 may take the form of silica gel, having the property of adsorbing a gas when cooled and releasing a gas when heated. Assuming that the gas is being 35 driven off and out of substance 14 by the application of heat to tubes 12, it passes into header 13 and thence into pipe 15 where it meets valves 16 and 23. Valve 23 is a check valve that closes under the pressure of the gas being evolved from substance 14. Valve 16 is a one-way valve so constructed that it allows gas to pass through in the direction of the arrow indicated in the drawings. Passing through valve 16, which is opened by the gas under pressure, the gas enters a condenser 17 through the pipe 18. Condenser 17 may be of any desired construction to cool the gas and thereby liquefy it.

The liquefied gas is then led to the evaporator or expansion chamber 11 through a valve generally indicated at 19 interposed between the connecting pipes 20 and 21. This valve comprises a chamber 8 through the bottom of which extends the pipe 21. By means of a float 9 which controls a valve 7 seated against the end of pipe 21, liquid gas is maintained in chamber 8 at a level with the upper end of pipe 21. Thus an excess liquid gas in chamber 8 or a rise of the liquid level therein actuates float 9 to unseat valve 7 and allow the refrigerant to flow into adsorb the expanded refrigerating gas.

expansion chamber 11 through pipe 21. As long as the adsorbent 14 in the tubes 12 is heated, this action continues to supply liquid refrigerant to float valve 19 and expansion chamber 11 and a constant pressure is maintained in condenser 17 and chamber 8 of float valve 19.

Expansion chamber 11 cools compartment 10 according to the rate of evaporation of liquid gas taking place therein but no evaporation takes place while heat is being applied to tubes 12 because of the pressure which is applied to check valve 23 on the adsorber side thereof to keep this valve closed; this pressure is greater than the pressure in evaporator 11. When refrigeration is required, however, tubes 12 are cooled in a man her to be described hereinafter and the pressure in header 13 and pipe 15 is reduced until it falls below the pressure in expansion chamber 11 and pipe 22. The reduction of this pressure allows check valve 23 to open and consequently evaporation of the liquid gas contained in expansion chamber 11 takes place. The expanded gas 'returns through pipe 22, check valve 23, pipe 15 and header 13 to be absorbed by the adsorbent 14 contained in tubes 12; during this action valve 16 remains closed because the pressure on the condenser side thereof is greater than the pressure on the adsorber side. Refrigeration continues for a substantial period of time as long as tubes 12 are cooled so that substance 14 may Thus a refrigeration cycle is completed and the control of this cycle as well as the refrigeration unit depends onthe action and control of the adsorbent 14. The adsorbent in turn depends for its operation on the application of heat thereto and the removal of heat therefrom.

It will be understood that two or more sets of tubes such as those indicated at 12 for containing the adsorbent 14 may be employed to advantage under certain conditions. Thus one set of tubes connected into the same refrigeration cycle may be heated while the other set of tubes is being cooled to allow for more uniform refrigeration at all times. In this case the same apparatus is employed as that described here for heating and cooling the extra sets of tubes. It will be noted that the apparatus I employ for heating and cooling these tubes may be used to advantage for one set of tubes or a plurality of sets.

Leading from a tank or boiler 24' is a pipe 25 connected to a container 26 surrounding coils 12. Container 26 is of such a construction that it will bring a fluid into thermalcontact with all portions of the tubes 12 and consequently the adsorbent 14. Connected to the bottom 2'7 of container 26 is a pipe 28 leading to a heat-ex change device generally indicated at 29 made up of a series of vertically extending pipes 29 connected by upper and lower headers 29 and 29; the pipes 29 are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow a free flow of air therebetween. Thus, when a warm fluid is passing through these tubes in a downward direction as indicated by the arrows in the drawings, convection air currents are set up in theopposite 'or upward direction, as indicated by the arrows at the bottom of these pipes, and these air currents withdraw heat from the fluid running through the pipes. The upper end of these pipes or header 29 is connected by a pipe 30 to an expansion tank 31.

Connected to the upper header 29 is a pipe 32 and a pipe 33 leading to the top of container 26. Disposed between the pipes 32 and 33 is a thermostatically operated valve 34. Valve 34 is constructed in any suitable manner to cause it to open when the temperature of the fluid in pipe 33 falls below a certain value, in this instance preferably 212 F. However, if the temperature of the fluid in pipe 33 rises above 212 F., valve 34 closes, thus stopping the flow of fluid in pipes 33 and 32.

Disposed in a convenient position for heating boiler 24 is a burner of any desired construction adapted to burn oil or gas as may be most convenient under the circumstances. A pipe 61 is connected to a source of supply of gas or oil and is in turn connected to a valve 62. Connected to the opposite side of valve 62 is a pipe 63 leading to burner 60. Thus valve 62 controls the flow of gas or oil to burner 60, and when this valve is open heat is supplied to boiler 24 if burner 60 is ignited. A pipe 64 leads from pipe 61 to a small pilot light 65 adapted to burn continuously for substantial periods of time and disposed in a convenient position to ignite burner 60 when fuel is flowing therefrom. The relative vertical position of an arm 66 on valve 62 controls the opening and closing of the valve and disposed on the top thereof is a roller 67. When pressure is applied to arm 66' through roller 67 valve 62 is opened and a subsequent release of this pressure closes valve 62 because of the action of a spring (not illustrated) on arm 66 to return it to its normal position. If pilot light 65 is burning burner 60 is ignited to furnish heat to boiler 24 when pressure is applied to arm 66 of valve 62 and the supply of gas through pipes 61 and 63 to burner 60 is shut off to extinguish burner 60 whenever this pressure is released.

A clock or other suitable mechanism 68 drives a shaft 69 and for purposes of illustration it is assumed that the clock is adjusted to rotate this shaft one complete revolution every four and a half hours. A, cam 70 secured to shaft 69 has its outer surface in engagement with roller 67 This cam is constructed to have two cam portions '71 and '72, one of which, namely, portion 71 extends throughout one-ninth of the periphery of cam 70 and is of greater diameter than the portion '72. As cam '70 rotates and part '71 is in engagement with roller 67, pressure is applied thereto to open valve but when part 72 is in engagement therewith the valve is permitted to close. Furthermore, as clock mechanism 68 rotates cam '70 one complete revolution every four and one half hours, valve 62 is open to allow burners 60 to supply heat to boiler 24 for one-half hour and is closed to extinguish the burners for four hours. In other words, disregarding any outside circumstances which may change this condition, burner 60 is alternatively lighted and extinguished during successive periods.

It may be desirable to increase the length of time elapsing between these various complete cycles of alternate heating and cooling. Under normal conditions when maximum refrigeration is required these periods are continuous,

one complete cycle of heating and cooling being' followed immediately by another. If the temperature in compartment 10 falls to that preferred due to this maximum refrigeration it is desirable to decrease the refrigeration taking place therein. As described above, this is accomplished by diminishing the frequency of repetition of the cycle of heating and cooling of the adsorbent 14.

To accomplish this I provide a bulb 73 conriphery of drum '79.

taining a suitable volatile liquid whose evaporation and condensation is highly sensitive to temperature changes, such as those which may take place in compartment 10. The relative pressures accruing from the action of this volatile liquid are conducted through a pipe '74 to a bellows '75.

Connected to the unanchored end of bellows '75 is an arm '76 pivoted at '77. This arm has a rightangle projection '78 extending therefrom to substantially engage the periphery of a drum '79 secured to shaft 69. Drum '79 is slotted as at 30 and this slot is so positioned with respect to cam '70 that it is in registry with projection '78 when roller 6'7 is in engagement with an end of part '72 of cam '70 and consequently valve 62 is closed to extinguish burners but a subsequent resumption of rotation will place part '71 in engagement withroll 6'? to open the valve. If clock mechanism 68 is rotating shaft 69 for the usual cycle of alternate heating and cooling and the temperature in compartment 10 falls below that preferred during this particular cycle, the decrease in pressure in bulb '73, pipe '74 and bellows '75 effects a contraction of bellows '75, tending thus to swing lever arm '76 in clockwise direction and to force projection '78 against the pe- Upon the completion of the cycle, slot 80 is in registry with projection '78 and projection '78 snaps into this slot to stop rotary motion of drum '79 and the parts secured thereto. Thus the burner. extinguished at this time, remains so and the cycle of alternate heating and cooling is not repeated until compartment 10 rises above the preferred temperature whence bellows '75 expands so that movement of the unanchored end of bellows as described above forces projection '78 out of engagement with slot and again allows shaft 69 to rotate freely. The cycles of alternate heating and cooling may now be repeated until the temperature in compartment 10 falls below that preferred when the above-mentioned action is repeated.

It wil be understood that this entire control mechanism for regulating the action of burner 60 is merely illustrative of a preferred form for so controlling this burner. Other systems and apparatus may be constructed to accomplish this function and substituted for that herein disclosed without departing from the scope of my invention.

Considering now the operation of the refrigeration system as shown in Figure 1, let it be assumed for purposes of illustration that the apparatus is installed in a railroad car to maintain the interior of this car, indicated at 10 in the drawings, at a certain temperature value. Furthermore, let it be assumed that this car is to be used for the transportation of perishable goods which should be maintained within certain temperature limits for most successful and sanitary preservation. Boiler 24, container 26, pipe 28 and pipes 29 of heat exchange device are filled with water, preferably to the level of pipe 30.

As the car is being loaded clock mechanism 68 is started for it is assumed that refrigeration will soon be required in the car. In order to obtain this refrigeration, frequently recurring cycles of alternate heating and cooling of the adsorbent should take place in container 26. Small part '72 of cam '70 is in engagement with roller 6'7 and cam '70 is in such a position that immediately upon any rotation thereof the large part '71 of cam '70 comes into engagement with roller 6'7 to open valve 62. As pilot light 65 is lighted, burner 60 is ignited to impart heat to boiler 24. Thus the apparatus is in condition for periods of alternate heating and cooling for refrigeration until further thermostaticaction, but with the parts in their present position the heating period is taking place.

Bubbles of steam, formed in boiler 24 as boiling commences, are conducted by pipe 25 into container 26; here they come into contact with cool water, and heat the latter. Finally the temperature of the water in boiler 24 and in container 26 reaches 212 F. and boiling sets in and continues. Thermostatic valve 34 heretofore open, closes, due to the achievement of a temperature of about 212 F. Steam is being generated at a rapid rate in boiler 24 now and as the pressure increases therein and consequently in container 26 a certain quantity of water is forced from container 26 and boiler 24 and connected parts into the expansion chamber 31, through pipe 30, Valve 34, being closed, prevents steam from escaping from container 26 by way of pipes 33--32 while the head of water in tubes 29 and tank 31 prevents steam from escaping from container 26 by way of pipe 28. The pipes 12, now being in direct contact with steam, are heated and the adsorbent material contained therein gives off gas which passes through pipe 13 to condenser 1'7 to be cooled'and liquefied. During this action, valve 23 remains closed but valve 16 opens due to the gas pressure. Passing through float valve 19, the liquefied gas enters expansion device 11 to be used for later refrigeration when tubes 12 are cooled and when check-valve 23 opens to allow evaporation .and consequent cooling to set in.

At the conclusion of the heating period'in the cycle, or, more specificallyfat the end of one-half hour, part '72 of cam '70 comes into engagement with roller 6'7 to close valve 62 and extinguish burner 60. The other portion of the heating and cooling cycle, namely the cooling period, now takes place for no heat is being applied to boiler 24. The temperature in boiler 24 falls and the steam contained therein and in connected parts condenses. The space in the system formerly occupied by the steam is filled by water from the expansion tank 31. Thus container 26, boiler 24, and the tubes 29 of the heat-exchange device 29 become completely filled, and cooling of the water in the system, due in part to the cool water in tank 31 and in tubes 29, brings the temperature of the water in compartment 26 and pipe 33 down to or below 212, whereupon thermostatic valve 34 opens. Container 26 is thus connected with heat-exchange device 29 by pipes 3332 and 28 for circulation of the water.

A thermo-syphonic circulation commences, the water traveling from the top of compartment 26, through pipe 33, valve 34, pipe 32, tubes 29 and back to compartment 26. through pipe 28. As this circulation continues, convection air currents in an upward direction are set up in the spaces between tubes 29, extracting heat from the water in the circulating system The cooled water is passed into thermal contact with the adsorbent 14, withdrawing heat therefrom to cause a reduction of pressure in header 13 and pipe 15. Check-valve 23 opens because of this reduction in pressure and is expanded. Gaseous refrigerant is now absorbed thereby. Evaporation continues in expansion chamber 11 during this part of the heating and cooling cycle to cool interior 10 of the car.

As the car continues in transit loaded with perishable goods these cycles of alternate heating and cooling causing refrigeration in the interior of the car continue until the temperature therein falls to that preferred, when less refrigeration is required to maintain the interior at the preferred temperature. The length of time periods between succeeding cycles of heating and cooling may now be increased to meet the lesser refrigeration needs of compartment 10 and to accomplish this pressure is applied by the volatile liquid contained in bulb 73 to the unanchored end of bellows 75 and as described above projection 78 of arm 76 engages slot 80 of drum 79 upon the completion of the cycle. The apparatus and system now remains inactive until the temperature in compartment 10 rises above that preferred, whereupon pressure is exerted through the volatile liquid in bulb 73 on the unanchored end of bellows 75, movement of which disengages projection '78 from slot 80. Rotation of shaft 69 now continues and cycles of alternate heating and cooling take place to refrigerate the interior of the car until the preferred temperature therein is reached.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided a refrigeration system in Figure 1, which, because of the simplicity of its action and durability of its working parts, is extremely reliable in operation. By employing steam as a heating medium and water as a cooling medium I have achieved many advantages. For example, I am enabled to increase the durability of the tubes 12, for they are free from the corrosive effects of products of combustion. Furthermore, these tubes are subjected to considerable variations in internal pressure due to the change in pressure of the gaseous refrigerant; by providing the compartment 26 enclosing these tubes and a heating medium which exerts pressure on the exterior of these tubes, the injurious effects and the strains of the internal gas pressures are offset. The automatic and simple nature of the heating and cooling apparatus in this refrigeration system reduces the possibility of a breakdown to a minimum and also renders it practically fool-proof so that it may be operated by unskilled attendants.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown one of various possible modifications of my refrigeration system. The refrigeration unit is of the same construction and action as that shown in Figure 1 and above described, containing an adsorbent material 14, related, as in Figure 1, to an expansion device 11 in compartment 10. Thus as described above continuous cycles of alternate heating and cooling of adsorbent 14 produce refrigeration in compartment 10 and the discontinuation of these cycles causes refrigeration to stop.

More specifically when heat is applied to adsorbent material 14 liquid refrigerant is supplied to expansion chamber 11 and when adsorbent 14 is cooled the expanded gas from chamber 11 is absorbed to cause refrigeration to take place therein.

A boiler 42 is connected to a container 43, surrounding the tubes 12, by means of a pipe 44, leading to the top thereof, and a pipe 45 leading back to boiler 42 from the bottom of container 43. Joining the pipe 45 leading'from the bottom of compartment 43 is a pipe 46 connected to the bottom header 29 of the tubes 29 of the heatexchange device 29. A pipe 30 leads from the top of header 29 to the expansion tank 31. The top header 29 is connected by pipes 50 and 51 to the upper part of container 43 and disposed be- 2 tween pipes 50 and 51 is a valve 52 of a construction to be described hereinafter. Heater or boiler 42, container 43, tubes 29 of heat-exchange device 29, and related connecting pipes are filled with water.

Burner 60, positioned underboiler 42, and those various parts controlling its construction are similar in construction and operation to those shown in Figure 1. The flow of fuel through pipes 61 and 63 is controlled by valve 62 and cycles of alternate heating and cooling are controlled by actuation of this valve by the clock mechanism 68 and its associated parts, as in the construction shown in Figure 1. When valve 62 is open to furnish fuel to burner 60, a pressure is built up in pipe 63 and this pressure is transmitted through a pipe 53 connected thereto, to valve 52. Valve 52 is of such a construction that pressure applied thereto closes the valve so that no fluid may pass from pipe 51 to pipe 50. However, when part 72 of cam 70 engages roller 67 to close valve 62, pressure, in pipe 63 is reduced to that of the atmosphere and this reduction of pressure opens valve 52, permitting the flow of fluid therethrough.

Let it be assumed that this system is installed on a railroad car to cool the interior 10 of this car. Further, it is assumed that this car is in transit and contains perishable goods which should be maintained between certain definite temperature limits. Let it also be assumed that the temperature in compartment 10 has risen above that preferred and that refrigeration is required therein. In the latter instance, the medium contained in thermostatic bulb 73 actuates bellows 75 to force projection 78 from slot 80; thus the cycles of alternate heating and cooling commence. Burner 60 is lighted to heat boiler 42 and simultaneously the fuel pressure in pipe 63 is communicated by pipe 53, to valve 52, which then closes. As the water in boiler 42 is heated, it rises in pipe 44 and enters container 43 at the top thereof. ,,Water is prevented from leaving container 45 through pipe 51 because of valve 52 which is closed. The heated water then passes downwardly in compartment 43, where its heat is transmitted to adsorbent material 14, and, cooled, it passes out through pipe 45, back to the bottom of boiler 42. This thermo-syphonic circulation continues. The adsorbent material 14 in tubes 12, being heated builds up a supply of liquid refrigerant in expansion chamber 10. Expansion tank 31 takes care of the change in volume of the water with changes in temperature thereof.

At the end of a, half-hour, when the cooling portion of the'cycle is to commence, part 72 comes into engagement with roller 67 to close valve 62 and extinguish burner 60. The heating of water in boiler 42 being discontinued, and valve 52 now being open, a thermo-syphonic circulation of water takes place between container 43 and heat-exchange device 29. The hot water in container 43 rises, passes out through pipes 51, 50 (valve 52 being open), thence downwardly 1 in tubes 29" where it is cooled, and returns, now cooler, through pipe 46, to the lower part of container 43. Air currents, passing upwardly past tubes 29' where it is cooled, and returns, now cooler, through pipe 46, to the lower part of container 43. Air currents, passing upwardly past tubes 29 extract heat from the water passing therethrough and as this thermo-syphom'c circulation of water and resultant cooling thereof continues, the tubes 12 and consequently the, ad-

sorbent material 14 are cooled to effect readsorption of refrigerant and cause refrigeration in interior 10, as will be clear from what has been said in connection with the arrangement of Figure 1. The parts remain in this working relation during the cooling portion of the cycle and until part '72 of cam 70 engages roller 67 to open valve 62 and ignite burner 60. The heating action then takes place as described above.

When the temperature in interior l0 falls to that preferred, the tension of bellows forces projections '78 into slot of drum 79 at the conclusion of the ensuing cycle of alternate heating and cooling. Inactivity of the working parts and consequently decrease of refrigeration now take place in compartment 10 until the temperature therein rises above that preferred. when one or more cycles of alternate heating and cooling take place according to the amount of refrigeration necessary in the interior.

It should be fully understood that this system and apparatus in both the preferred form, as

shown in Figure l of the drawings. and in the modification thereof, as shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. may be employed for alternately heating and cooling two or more adsorbing units such as that one comprising the tubes 12. Various ,minor changes in the apparatus might be desirable in this case but in no sense would this depart from the original scope of this invention. Furthermore. any references to specific periods of time discussed herein are merely for purposes of illustration as I fully realize that different time allotments must be made according to the various conditions under which my system is operating.

, it will thus be seen that in the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 2 I have achieved many peculiar advantages of a thoroughly practical nature. The apparatus is of a simple construction and design and well adapted for long continued and unattended hard practical use.

it will thus be seen that there has been provided in this invention an apparatus in which the various objects above noted together with many practical advantages are successfully achieved.

As many possible embodiments may be made in the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth. it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim: A

l. In a refrigeration system. in combination. a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated. a refrigeration unit for said chamber utilizing a gaseous refrigerant. means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant. means adapted to lead a cooling fluid into effective relation with said first-mentioned means. means adapted to lead a heating fluid into effective relation with said first-mentioned means. means for cooling said cooling fluid. means adapted to heat said heating fluid. thermostatic means responsive to the temperature in said chamber for controlling the actuation of said heating means and the effectiveness of said heating fluid leading means. and thermostatic means for controlling the efl'ectiveness of said cooling means.

2. In a refrigeration system. in combination. a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated. I. refrigeration unit for said chamber utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, means adapted to lead a cooling liquid into effective relation with said first-mentioned means, means for producing a heating vapor, means adapted to lead said heating vapor into effective relation with said first-mentioned means, thermostatic means responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling the action of said first-mentioned leading means. and thermostatic means for controlling the action of said second-mentioned leading means.

3. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated, a refrigeration unit for said chamber having means for releasing a refrigerant when heated and taking up said refrigerant when cooled, means for paa ing a cooling liquid into thermal contact with said first mentioned-means to cool the latter. means for cooling said liquid. means adapted to impart heat to said first-mentioned means, and thermostatic means responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling said cooling means and said last-mentioned means.

4. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated, a refrigeration unit therefor employing a gaseous refrigerant and means adapted upon the application of heat thereto to release said refrigerant and upon cooling to take up said refrigerant, means for thermo-syphonically passing a cooling liquid into thermal contact with said first-mentioned means. thermostatic means for controlling said thermo-syphonic circulation. means including a heated vapor adapted to force said liquid out of thermal contact with said first-mentioned means to apply heat thereto. means for generating said vapor. and thermostatic means affected by the temperature of said chamber for controlling said generating means.

5. In a refrigeration system. in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant and including an evaporator and means adapted upon being heated to release the refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant; means for passing a fluid medium into thermal contact with said first-mentioned means, a heat exchange device associated with said secondmentioned means adapted when effective to extract heat from said medium and to cause thereby a cooling of said first-mentioned means; means for heating said medium for passage into contact with said first-mentioned means to cause the latter to release said refrigerant: means for time-controlling said last mentioned means, means responsive to the temperature caused by said evaporator for controlling said last-mentioned means: and means effective upon said medium achieving a certain minimum of temperature for making effective said heat-exchange device to cool said medium and cause said firstmentioned means to take up said refrigerant.

5. In a refrigeration system. in combination. a refrigeration unitutilizing a gaseous refrigerant, and including means adapted upon being heated to release the refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up the refrigerant. means for passing a fluid medium into thermal contact with said firstmentioned means; a heat-exchange device associated with said second-mentioned means adapted when effective to extract heat from said mediumand to cause thereby a cooling of said first-mentioned means; means for heating said medium for passage into contact with said firstmentioned means to cause the latter to release said refrigerant; and means effective upon said medium achieving a certain minimum of temperature for making effective said heat-exchange device to cool said medium and cause said firstmentioned means to take up said refrigerant.

7. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated, a refrigeration unit utilizing an adsorber, a container surrounding said adsorber to hold a liquid or a vapor in thermal contact with said adsorber, a series of heat-radiating tubes connected with said container for thermo-syphonic circulation of a liquid, thermostatic means adapted to permit said thermo-syphonic circulation totake place when the temperature falls below a certain predetermined value and to prevent such action when said temperature 'rises above said value; means connected to said container for heating said liquid to form a heated vapor, and to'cause the vapor to replace said liquid in said container, thereby to heat said adsorber, and thermostatic means responsive to temperature of said chamber for controlling said heating means.

8. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a chamber whose temperature is to be regulated, a refrigeration unit utilizing an adsorber, a container surrounding said adsorber to hold a liquid in thermal contact with said adsorber, a heatexchange device for extracting heat from the liquid and connected with said container for thermo-syphonic circulation of cooled liquid, a heater for heating liquid and connected with said container for thermo-syphonic circulation of heated liquid, and means controlled by the temperature of said chamber for determining which thermo-syphonic circulation is to take place.

9. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, an enclosure for said last-mentioned means, a container connected to said enclosure, a heat extracting element connected to said enclosure, a liquid contained in said enclosure container and heat extracting element, means for heating said container to vaporize a portion of said liquid and drive the rest of said liquid from said enclosure, and thermostatic means adapted to permit the circulation of another portion of said liquid thermo-syphonically between said heat extracting element and said enclosure when said heating means is inoperative.

10. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit for utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, an enclosure for said last-mentioned means, a container connected to said enclosure at two points to form a circulating path for a liquid, a heat extracting element connected to said enclosure at two points to form a circulating path for a liquid, a liquid in said enclosure container and heat extracting ele ment, and means for heating said container to circulate thermo-syphonically said liquid between said container and said enclosure, said liquid adapted to circulate thermo-syphonically between said heat extracting element and said enclosure when said heating means is inoperative.

11. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take messes up said refrigerant, containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means, a tank, a conduit connecting said tank to said containing means substantially near the bottom of said containing means, a heat exchange device, conduits connecting said heat exchange device with substantially the bottom and top of said containing means, said heat exchange device, said containing means and said tank being partially filled with a fluid, and means for heating said tank whereby upon the operation of said heating means vapor formed in said tank and passed to said contain-- ing means by said first-mentioned conduit forces a portion of said fluid into said heat exchange device to heat said first-mentioned means and when said heating means is inoperative a thermosyphonic circulation takes place between said containing means and said heat exchange device.

12. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means, a tank, a conduit connecting said tank to said containing means substantially near the bottom of said containing means, a heat exchange device, conduits connecting said heat exchange device with substantially the bottom and top of said containing means, said heat exchange device, said containing means and said tank being partially filled with a fluid, a thermostatic valve in one of said last-mentioned conduits adapted to close said conduit upon heating and open said conduit upon cooling, and heating means for said tank whereby upon operation of said heating means said thermostatic valve closes and vapor passes through said first-mentioned conduit to said containing means to heat said first-mentioned means and upon inoperation of said heating means said thermostatic valve opens to permit thermo-syphonic circulation between said containing means and said heat exchange device.

13. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means, a tank connected to the bottom of said containing means, a heat exchange device, conducting means connecting the top of said heat exchange device to the top of said containing means, conducting means connecting the bottom of said containing means to the bottom of said heat exchange device, a thermostatic valve in said first-mentioned conducting means adapted to close when heated and open when cooled, and heating means for said tank, said tank, said containing means and said heat exchange device being partially filled with a fluid whereby upon the heating of said tank vapor is formed therein and passes into said containing means to cause said thermostatic valveto close and heat said first-mentioned means and drive the fiuid in said tank through said second-mentioned conducting means to said heat exchange device and upon inoperativeness of said heating means said thermostatic valve opens to permit thermo-syphonic circulation through both of said conducting means between said heat exchange device and said containing means to cool said firstmentioned means. I

14. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release its its

said refrigerant and upon being-cooled to take up said refrigerant, containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means, a tank connected to the bottom of said containing means, a heat exchange device. conducting means connecting the top of said heat exchange device to the top of said containing means. conducting means connecting the bottom of said containing means to the bottom of said heat exchange device. an auxiliary tank connected to said heat exchange device substantially near the top thereof, a thermostauc valve in said first-mentioned conducting means adapted to close when heated and open when cooled, and heating means for said tank. said tank, said containing means and said heat exchange device being partially filled with a fluid whereby upon the heating of said tank vapor is formed therein and passes into said containing means to cause said thermostatic valve to close and heat said first-mentioned means and drive the fluid in said tank through said second-mentioned conducting means to said heat exchange device and said auxiliary tank and upon inoperativeness of said heating means said thermostatic valve opens to permit. thermo-syphonic circulation through both of said conducting means between said heat exchange device and said containing means to cool said first-mentioned means.

15. In a refrigeration system. in combination. means forming a space whose temperature is to be regulated. a refrigeration unit for said space utilizing a gaseous refrigerant. means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant. containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means. a tank connected to the bottom of said containing means, a heat exchange device. conducting means connecting the top of said heat exchange device to the top of said containing means. conducting means connecting the bottom of said containing means to the bottom of said heat exchange device. a thermostatic valve in said first-mentioned conducting means adapted to close when heated and open when cooled. heating means for said tank. said tank, said containing means and said heat exchange device being partially filled with a fluid. and means responsive to the temperature of said space for controlling the operation of said heating means.

whereby upon the heating of said tank vapor is formed therein and passes into said containing means to cause said thermostatic valve to close and heat said first-mentioned means and drive the fluid in said tank through said second-mentioned conducting means to said heat exchange device and upon inoperativeness or said heating means said thermostatic valve opens to permit thermo-syphonic circulation through both of said conducting means between said heat exchange device and said containing means to cool said first-mentioned means.

16. In a refrigeration system, in combination, a refrigeration unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant, means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant. containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means. a tank. a conduit connecting the top of said tank with the top portion of said containing means. a conduit connecting the bottom of said tank with the bottom portion of said containing means, a heat exchange device. conducting means connecting the bottom of said heat exchange device with the bottom of said containing means. conducting means conmeeting the top portion of said containing means with the top portion of said heat exchange device said tank. said containing means and said heat exchange device being partially filled with water. and heating means for said tank whereby upon the operation of said heating means thermo-syphonic circulation takes place between said containing means and said tank to heat said first-mentioned means and upon inoperativeness of said heating means thermo-syphonic circulation takes place between said heat exchange device and said containing means.

17. In a refrigeration system, in combination. a refrigeratiori. unit utilizing a gaseous refrigerant. means adapted upon being heated to release said refrigerant and upon being cooled to take up said refrigerant, containing means surrounding said last-mentioned means, a tank. a conduit connecting the top of said tank with the top portion of said containing means. a conduit connecting the bottom of said tank with the bottom portion of said containing means, a heat exchange device. conducting means connecting the bottom of said heat exchange device with the bottom of said containing means. conducting means connecting the top portion of said containing means with the top portion of said heat exchange device. said tanks said containing means and sa d heat exchange device being partially filled with water, a valve in said last-mentioned conducting means, and heating means for said tank, said valve adapted to close when said heating means is operating and open when said heatingmeans is inoperative whereby upon the operation of said heating means said valve closes and thermosyphonic circulation takes place between said containing means and said tank and upon inoperation of said heating means said valve opens to permit thermo-syphonic circulation between said heat exchange device and said containing means.

GEORGE E. BOISE.

CERTIFIEATE GE GORREC'HWQ.

Patent No. 1343 968. January 1%, i934.

GEQRGPE LE. i-HKILSE.

it is hereby certified that error appears in the printed speeitientihn at the above numbered patent requiring correction as ieiiiews: Page 4, line M3, hegfinning with "Air currents" strike out nii he and including "miner 43." in iine 146; and that the said Letters Patent shenid he read with this eorreetien therein that the same may conform to the reeerdl eff the ease in the Patent @iiiee.

Signed and senieti this 24th day et Jniy, A. Q. W34.

Erynn M. Battey (Seat) Actin Getissienet et' Eatents. 

